Ponnampet (Kodagu): With Chief Minister Siddharamaiah scheduled to visit Kodagu tomorrow (Jan.9), Ponnampet town in South Kodagu observed a voluntary bandh this morning to demand Taluk status for it.

The bandh call was given by various associations and organisations supporting Taluk status for Ponnampet and accordingly, all shops, commercial and business establishments in four Hobli Centres (Ponnampet, Srimangala, Balele and Hudikeri) and 21 Gram Panchayats coming under Ponnampet jurisdiction were closed from 6 am to 1pm.

However, schools & colleges, medical shops, transport and other essential services remained open as usual, with volunteers calling for a peaceful demonstration.

As part of the bandh, a rally was taken out from Ponnampet Bus Stand to Gandhi Square in which thousands of people   took part.